Ashraf AboArafe
His Excellency the President of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Amiri, participated in a working paper in the Fifth Arab Conference on Higher Education and Sustainable Development entitled (The Role of Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals), which was held from September 10-11, 2023 AD in the city of Cairo, Republic of. The Arabian Egypt.
Hi Excellency stressed that the conference discusses an academic topic and a humanitarian issue that has a renewed presence locally, regionally and globally as an issue with cultural, social and economic dimensions, which constitutes a major challenge to many development models that relate to the future of sustainable development and its goals and objectives, especially in this era of growing knowledge dimensions and repercussions, which requires… Everyone unifies academic efforts, achieves effective partnerships in the scientific and research fields, and enhances integrative work in strategic planning paths to meet the needs of today’s societies and tomorrow’s generations.
He added that one of the most pivotal issues in higher education institutions in light of the rapid changes the world is witnessing and successive, unprecedented developments is the issue of (sustainable development) and ensuring the achievement of its goals and objectives, as it is a fundamental focus of its educational system, its academic and research programs, and its enrichment and training services. Accordingly, This issue requires continuous study, serious research, and objective review of its concepts, social dimensions, and economic repercussions.
His Excellency pointed out that the effective and efficient performance by universities of their duties is an effective contribution to achieving the goals of sustainable development and their dimensions through their knowledge tools, academic programs, and development initiatives, whether in (quality of education), (research and innovation), or (development of human capital). From the starting point, activating partnerships and agreements, and building meaningful strategic relationships with leading regional and international universities and advanced research centers, has become inevitable, and an utmost necessity, imposed by the nature of the stage and the requirements of development, to exchange knowledge and experiences, enhance work, and invest all efforts, stressing that Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic Bank is keen to align its mission, goals and strategic objectives with the objectives of the Saudi vision, which emphasized the importance of achieving sustainable development goals.
Dr. Al-Amiri stated that Imam University built its strategic plan 2021-2025 on axes that include achieving sustainable development goals such as education, learning and skilling, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as partnerships, social responsibility, and institutional excellence. It also made its first strategic goal “competitive educational outcomes qualified in knowledge and skills that meet the needs of In its second goal, it emphasized “quality research that contributes to knowledge progress and meets national development needs,” and its third goal was devoted to achieving: “innovative and pioneering outputs that enhance the knowledge economy and achieve sustainable development.” Its fourth goal adopted “effective community and national partnerships and contributions.”
He continued that Al-Imam University, due to its comparative advantages, competitive capabilities, and qualified human and material elements, has developed a human capabilities development program and a national character strengthening program, and has taken the initiative to conclude partnerships and agreements in various fields with various government agencies and ministries, and has adopted a number of qualitative initiatives and implemented Many projects related to sustainable development, including: developing its academic programs, creating new programs and aligning them with the requirements of sustainable development, as well as including the concepts of sustainable development and its goals among the basic requirements in study plans. The university also paid attention to its societal responsibilities and serving humanity through continuous contribution to the dissemination of knowledge and education. outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to assist countries in their development and raise the quality of education through its institutes in the continents of Africa and Asia for more than (40) years. The university has also been keen to support scientific research activities and innovation programs closely related to sustainable development, in addition to concluding research partnerships with Relevant government agencies; International partnerships with universities and researchers; To exchange ideas, produce innovations, and increase joint scientific publishing in the areas of sustainable development in accordance with national aspirations for research and innovation.
His Excellency explained that Al-Imam University implemented a special program to support and incubate university startups under the name (Al-Imam Cloud), which incubated (25) projects during the year 2022, in addition to spreading the culture of entrepreneurship and economic and human development, as well as participating in organizing and sponsoring some conferences related to education and sustainable development. In addition to the university’s commitment to adopting policies and procedures that ensure taking into consideration the goals of sustainable development and achieving them in the scientific, research, and community service fields, as well as in the administrative, operational, technical, and technical aspects, which confirms the university’s interest in energy conservation projects, and working to sustain the green university project to raise the quality of life in the university city. Pointing out that these efforts have resulted – praise be to God – in the areas of sustainable development in the university achieving distinguished results and high indicators in international classifications related to sustainable development goals, the most important of which is the Impact Ranking of the Times World Classification, as the university was able to achieve all the goals. (17) And to be among the list of the best (200) global universities in (7) different sustainable development goals.
His Excellency stated the university’s commitment to quality education through its academic programs, which are consistent with national educational standards and international, and holds academic accreditation from national and international accreditation organizations for existing programs, in addition to its focus on research and innovation, and contributing to the generation of new knowledge and progress in various disciplines, which has strengthened the university’s position and reputation as a center of academic excellence.
He concluded by stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the auspicious era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them – is paying great attention to achieving sustainable development through Saudi Vision 2030. And its ambitious programs, and that the university is proud to have carried its lofty message to the whole world, and opened its doors to spread science and knowledge in the service of Islam, the nation, and humanity, based on its scientific and cultural heritage, the long history of its path, and its extensive experiences, and inspired by the principles of patriotism and responsibility, that education and the creation of future leaders is the basic foundation for sustainability. Development.
